1. Marcelo in the Real World by Fransisco X. Stork. I can't think of another character in literature that I love as much as I love Marcelo. I can hardly think of people I know in real life that I love as much as I love Marcelo. Just kidding. Kind of. A teenager with Aspergers (or something similar), Marcelo has to learn how to function in "the real world" when his dad forces him to get a summer job at a law firm. Kind of heartbreaking as he learns just how terrible the real world can be, but totally and completely amazing, and ultimately hopeful.
Who should read it: older teens and adults. There's some bad language of the kind one unfortunately hears in the real world, but nothing gratuitous.
2. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan. I know, I know, I'm behind the times with these. But I really did read the series for the first time this year, and it blew my mind. Figuratively. A lot of Harry Potter comparisons have been made, which I can see in a way. After all, it is about a young boy who realizes that the world isn't quite what he always believed and that he has cool powers. And it's also awesome, which it has in common with HP. The movie version was a big disappointment, but this adventure series not only kept me breathless with excitement, but it made me want to learn more about Greek myths. Quite an accomplishment. Plus, I loved watching Percy and friends grow up.
Who should read it: Anyone who loves fantasy, adventures, and kids discovering their true potential.
3. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. What do I really need to say about this book? After all, it won the Newbery this year! But in case that's not enough to sway you, here's some more. There's mystery. And friendship. And $20,000 Pyramid. And it felt like a book that I might have read when I was in elementary school. By which I mean only good wonderful things. Can you feel nostalgic while reading a book you've never read, set in a decade before you were born? Apparently!
Who should read it: Everyone!!! Also, people who love A Wrinkle in Time, which gets referenced several time in the book.
4. Troll Fell and sequels by Katherine Langrish. An excellent example of the importance of good covers. I picked this book up on a whim because I liked the cover illustration, and I quickly devoured the trilogy because I loved the story. Peer and Hilde are likable, the setting is vivid, and the villains are creepy. The second book in particular gave me the creeps (in a good, kid-friendly way).
Who should read it: People who love folklore, especially of the Scandinavian variety. Vikings. Anyone who likes to shiver a bit when they read their fantasies.
5. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall. A book about friendship, family, and growing up. I laughed out loud many times while reading it, and I fell in love with those darn Penderwick girls and Jeffrey. Another book that reminded me of my childhood. I would not be surprised to learn that I read and loved this growing up, even though it was only published a few years ago. Also check out the sequel, which, in spite of a fearful lack of Jeffrey, was still totally enjoyable.
Who should read it: People who have friends. Or siblings. Or pets. People who want friends, siblings, or pets.
6. Heist Society by Ally Carter. It's no secret that I love Ally Carter's Gallagher Girl books, which are about a private girl's school: for spies! And now it's no secret that I love this book, too. And that I want to be a cat burglar. I don't actually want to steal anything, but would it be fun to know I could!
Who should read it: People who also aspire to sneakily steal. People who like Ocean's Eleven but wish there was there were less swears.
7. Bella at Midnight by Diane Stanley. Based very, very loosely on Cinderella, this book really rocked my socks. I loved the magic, the romance, the religion, the different viewpoints.
Who should read it: People who love fairy tales but want something a little different.
8. Once upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris. Another twist on fairy tales, although it's in a very different vein from Bella at Midnight. It's a smiler, as in, I smiled the whole time I read it. Recommended to me by my lovely niece, Abby.
Who should read it: People who are in a good mood. People who are in a bad mood.
9. Love Among the Walnuts by Jean Ferris. It seems a little cheaty, but even though they're both by the same people, the only thing that Walnuts has in common with Marigold is the smile factor. More smiles=more good books. Or something like that.
Who should read it: See # 8.
10. A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson. My dad and I listened to this historical fiction/romantic tragicomedy while driving from Utah to Baltimore. I can give it no higher praise than this: We wanted to get back into the car to find out what happened.
Who should read it: Everyone who wants me to still love them.
Honorable mention: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. Only an honorable mention since technically, I haven't read it yet. But if it's even half as engrossing, exciting, and thought-provoking as The Hunger Games and Catching Fire are, even on second and third readings, then it will be a winner.
Who should read it: Do you even have to ask?
Now, go! Get reading! But first, stop by the comments and recommend something good for me! You can never have too many books.
